Crimson Crown

⌠4⌡

Jinyoung squinted against the morning sun as he awoke from his light slumber. He hadn't been sleeping well for the past couple of nights since the news of possible war struck his ears; his mind was full of probable approaches and their outcomes if he were to try and do something to prevent conflict between two powerful kingdoms from playing out, all ending with nothing solid. 

He had also been worrying about what he had said to Youngjae, since the younger hadn't shown up to work for the past few days. he did mention that he would be training, but Youngjae usually checks up on Jinyoung in the morning and reminds him of his schedule for the day so he wouldn't worry about his whereabouts.

Being a prince meant being careful with his words, as they hold heavy weight. Jinyoung was ashamed he couldn't even do that among one of his closest friends.

All of it was too heavy to be thinking about early in the morning. He rolled himself out of his bead, stretching before walking over to pull at the drapes covering part of his window to let more light shine into his room. Despite having so many people around him in the palace, waking up felt awfully lonely.

Gazing out his window at the Kingdom below him sometimes eased that feeling, but Jinyoung was curious of the world beyond the Alverian territory. He was curious of the people across the river; those seeking war with the good people he knew and protected. They were probably just as good, and had their own reasons. Jinyoung realized how unknowledgable he really was; there was definitely a war, but there is no way that a death accusation was the cause of it. It was merely the tipping point. He could only ponder what truly was the beginning of war between the two kingdoms.

Such thoughts were interrupted by the sound of knocking. Jinyoung was startled, but he assumed it was just someone arriving to inform that breakfast was ready. He turned, watching the large wooden door creak open.

"Good morning, my prince."

Jinyoung's eyes widened, his lips curling into a relieved smile. "Youngjae!"  

The younger chuckled as Jinyoung ran across the room and enveloped him in a tight hug, He obviously couldn't keep himself away from Jinyoung for too long. "You're energetic so early."

"I thought something may have happened, I said some awful things the other night and you said you'd return in the morning but you didn't. I thought maybe I had driven you to do something regrettable..."

Youngjae shook his head at the muffled explanation coming from his shoulder. "I told you, I had training scheduled." He gently patted Jinyoung's back before parting from the embrace. "But, all is forgiven, my Prince-"

"Jinyoung. I am forever your brother, Jinyoung. Royal blood unneeded." The prince replied.

Youngjae smiled. He always followed formalities, but Jinyoung was his brother regardless of not sharing the same blood. There was no way he'd leave the prince over a harsh comment during an unnecessary argument. There were much more pressing matters to focus on at hand anyway. "Jinyoung. I came to wish you a happy birthday."

"Birthday...?"Jinyoung repeated the word as if it were unfamiliar. Except it was nothing but, since everyone around him would be reminding him of it all day. He'd forgotten; between the over thinking and worrying, his birthday was the least of his concerns. "That is today huh..."

"The whole kingdom is celebrating. I know you are opposed to it but, I think you have been too stressed about politics lately." Youngjae replied while digging into his coat pocket to retrieve something.

"But a party..."

Youngjae pulled out a ribbon and a pen, stepping up to Jinyoung and measuring out the length of his limbs. "The heir to the throne is yet another year closer to being passed the crown. Everyone else is excited for you, maybe you should be too."

That is often what people say. Jinyoung knew better though; he would not be passed the crown until his father passed away or retires the throne, and most Kings do not just hand over power so easily. "Father won't be going anywhere anytime soon, I don't understand the excitement."

"You are the prince, arguably more exciting than the King since you're in the much more desirable age range for courting." Youngjae replied, wiggling his brows as he marked off the length of Jinyoung's waist.

The elder rolled his eyes at the comment. "Oh please Youngjae."

"You are young, handsome, charming, the kingdom has already fallen for you; did I mention you're the prince?"

"About seventy times already-- what's the measuring for?"

"Your outfit for later tonight, you must be dashing for the ladies."

Jinyoung let out a long sigh. The party and socializing was the last thing on his mind at the time. "I'm not looking to court at this party. It's not even my party, just something my father wanted for me."

"It will be grand, just try to enjoy yourself. Lovely women, booze, and free gifts all under the same roof. I'd trade my life for yours any day." Youngjae took a step back, smiling as he marked off Jinyoung's measurements on the ribbon.

The elder chucked, shaking his head. "No Youngjae, I love you as you are."

"I must get these measurements to the tailor." He mumbled aloud, his eyes widening at a certain measurement they swept over. "My, your hips must've grown; you're a few inches wider than last time you were measured."

"I've been doing quite a bit of sword fighting practice, I suppose the workout thickens the meat." Jinyoung replied while looking down at himself, glancing at his backside in his tall mirror.

"It's flattering. Keep up the good work." Youngjae replied, his eyes scanning Jinyoung from head to toe before shooting him a wink.

Jinyoung giggled, a blush flushing his cheeks as he waved the younger off. "Go away."

Youngjae left the room laughing, shutting the door behind him. Jinyoung took a seat on his bed, letting out a sigh. 

He was now a year older; a year closer to taking the crown, as they say. He shook his head at the thought-- he barely felt able to get through a party in his celebration, he was nowhere near ready yet to bear a crown.

He supposed getting a handle on being prince should be his first focus, his current task to prepare for the party being thrown in his favor.